1 - Air and Water Pollution

Abstract

Human activities negatively influence the environment and nature in many ways. The production of undesirable wastewater, waste gas, and liquid plus solid residues seems to be inevitable during chemical processes. This chapter focuses on air and water pollution. Under this topic, it discusses issues of releases from chemical processes and environmental problems arising from other activities. Emphasis is given on the current environmental situation in Europe. There are many problems associated with air pollution, starting from photochemical smog, ozone formation, and acid rain at a regional level, to the greenhouse effect and ozone layer depletion at a global level. These problems have an adverse impact on both environment and public health. Water pollution is generally defined as any physical, chemical, or biological alteration in water quality that has a negative impact on living organisms. However, there is a tolerance limit for each pollutant, since zero-level pollution is economically and technically unpractical. Chemical engineering is the field of science that combines chemistry with technology and is able to provide solutions to most environmental problems. The environment is going to set the pace in chemical engineering evolution, because, if destruction and pollution are not stopped, the environment, life on Earth will be in danger—at least life as it is known today. Sustainability is the proposal for a better future, where economic development can coexist with social cohesion and environmental protection.